Helston community groups now CAN vie for Passmore Edwards cash

COMMUNITY groups in Helston have the chance to bid for up to £158,000 that has been made available by the town council.

It comes from the sale of the Passmore Edwards Institute (after fees were deducted) and two thirds of the sale proceeds must be spent on an “institute of technical instruction” to comply with a covenant put on the 3 Penrose Road building, which carries over with the sale.

The remaining third is now up for grabs, however – or the full amount if a bid can prove it fits the necessary criteria.

Helston Town Council has been vacillating over how to spend the cash since the start of the year.

Having agreed to ring-fence it so that it could only be used for building a new community centre, in January it was decided to instead free up the money for unspecified community projects, by a one-vote majority.

Just a month later, however, the money was once again tied up – for a community centre.

This is how it is has remained, until last Thursday when Helston Museum, the Epworth Hall and CAST – the Cornubian Arts and Science Trust that has taken over the previous community centre in 3 Penrose Road – put in a joint bid for the cash to further their projects.

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A decision over this request had been deferred from the previous month, making this the first time that the newly-elected members who joined the council in May had a say on where the funds should go.

Leading the support for reallocating the money was councillor Martine Knight, who highlighted the Old Cattle Market building as an example of how difficult it was to fund a newly built community centre.

She claimed the money available |currently would be spent on feasibility and consultation costs alone, with the Old Cattle Market costing just short of £2 million to build – only possible by making 63 per cent of the space available to rent.

Mrs Knight questioned whether “hanging on” to such a project was best serving the population of Helston, adding: “Should we be using this money now to be supporting |community groups?”

Describing it as a “contentious issue” in which no decision would please everybody, councillor Nicola Roberts believed if the proposal to free up the money went ahead then any decision on how it should be spent should be deferred, in order for other community groups to apply.

Following a majority vote to free up the money, it was agreed to defer the matter for two months.

Any organisations wanting to put in a bid for the cash should apply in |writing to town clerk Chris Dawson by the end of December at the latest.

It means a further wait for the joint arts bid, with CAST having been |bidding for the cash for exactly a year, first putting in its request in November 2012.

Now, CAST has teamed up with |the Helston’s museum and theatre |to ask for joint funds. As previously reported, the museum wants to provide a visitor information centre in the entrance – and potentially a National Trust information point – and develop a research database for public use, which will allow visitors to search electronically for artefacts, photographs and documents within the museum’s collection.

The Epworth Hall has plans to improve access, to comply with latest standards and attract groups and |audiences from across the region, while CAST want to continue its |refurbishment and open a cafe to serve museum visitors as part of a linkup between the three organisations.

Earlier in last week’s meeting David Turnbull, secretary of the South Kerrier Heritage Trust that runs the museum, said: “Helston needs an investment that makes people want to come. Investment in its culture will attract people to this town and will put Helston on the map.

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“My plea is don’t be the council that sits on its hands while Helston declines. Be the council that actually invests in Helston.”

Teresa Gleadowe, chairman of CAST, agreed saying: “I think this is a serious moment for the town.”

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Comments (16)

I think it is a good idea this money has been freed up. Helston needs investment and it is no good sitting on money, make it work for the benefit of the town is my view. If 150K was put towards a community centre I think it would only buy one made of wood or paper! And it is not set in stone that the museum or CAST etc will get this money it is open to all community groups to apply, so good luck to them.

I think it is a good idea this money has been freed up. Helston needs investment and it is no good sitting on money, make it work for the benefit of the town is my view. If 150K was put towards a community centre I think it would only buy one made of wood or paper! And it is not set in stone that the museum or CAST etc will get this money it is open to all community groups to apply, so good luck to them.Bobbster

I think it is a good idea this money has been freed up. Helston needs investment and it is no good sitting on money, make it work for the benefit of the town is my view. If 150K was put towards a community centre I think it would only buy one made of wood or paper! And it is not set in stone that the museum or CAST etc will get this money it is open to all community groups to apply, so good luck to them.

Score: -3

Ken Helston says...4:28pm Wed 27 Nov 13

Hello Katie. Or would bobbster be the mayors wife Wendy I wonder, one or the other. /why don't you post under your own name. You would say that. And of course its not set in stone but its bloody obvious the vote will go for cast because good ol Cllr Knight is pulling all the strings I think, and the other Cllrs will vote her way no doubt.

Hello Katie. Or would bobbster be the mayors wife Wendy I wonder, one or the other. /why don't you post under your own name.
You would say that. And of course its not set in stone but its bloody obvious the vote will go for cast because good ol Cllr Knight is pulling all the strings I think, and the other Cllrs will vote her way no doubt.Ken Helston

Hello Katie. Or would bobbster be the mayors wife Wendy I wonder, one or the other. /why don't you post under your own name. You would say that. And of course its not set in stone but its bloody obvious the vote will go for cast because good ol Cllr Knight is pulling all the strings I think, and the other Cllrs will vote her way no doubt.

Score: -7

telstar1962 says...4:39pm Wed 27 Nov 13

Ken, what a very common sensical decision. At last. The people behind CAST are seriously good in the Art world,and they above anything else which happens in the middle of Helston will help revive visitor numbers. I suppose some older members of the community would have wanted the Science and Educational building to be turned into an old peoples complex by the developers, but now this decision will mean a faster process in bringing on the much needed,quality Art Centre which CAST will oversee. Again, brilliant news for the Town ( and,of course,other Community groups)

Ken, what a very common sensical decision. At last.
The people behind CAST are seriously good in the Art world,and they above anything else which happens in the middle of Helston will help revive visitor numbers.
I suppose some older members of the community would have wanted the Science and Educational building to be turned into an old peoples complex by the developers, but now this decision will mean a faster process in bringing on the much needed,quality Art Centre which CAST will oversee.
Again, brilliant news for the Town ( and,of course,other Community groups)telstar1962

Ken, what a very common sensical decision. At last. The people behind CAST are seriously good in the Art world,and they above anything else which happens in the middle of Helston will help revive visitor numbers. I suppose some older members of the community would have wanted the Science and Educational building to be turned into an old peoples complex by the developers, but now this decision will mean a faster process in bringing on the much needed,quality Art Centre which CAST will oversee. Again, brilliant news for the Town ( and,of course,other Community groups)

Score: 3

Ken Helston says...5:14pm Wed 27 Nov 13

telstar you talk about it as if the dumpy old building has already been given some of the money, they haven't got it yet, and when its spent and gone if they do get some of it where will the next lot come from, that amount wont go far between three buildings. The Penrose building is like flogging a dead horse. They should be giving out hard hats to go near it. Quality Art Centre ha ha ha ha and I thought it was GZM that was deluded.

telstar you talk about it as if the dumpy old building has already been given some of the money, they haven't got it yet, and when its spent and gone if they do get some of it where will the next lot come from, that amount wont go far between three buildings. The Penrose building is like flogging a dead horse. They should be giving out hard hats to go near it. Quality Art Centre ha ha ha ha and I thought it was GZM that was deluded.Ken Helston

telstar you talk about it as if the dumpy old building has already been given some of the money, they haven't got it yet, and when its spent and gone if they do get some of it where will the next lot come from, that amount wont go far between three buildings. The Penrose building is like flogging a dead horse. They should be giving out hard hats to go near it. Quality Art Centre ha ha ha ha and I thought it was GZM that was deluded.

Score: -9

Gillian Zella Martin 09 says...6:09pm Wed 27 Nov 13

If there is money available for use in supporting existing facilites within the town, I would love to see the Epworth Hall, museum and 3 Penrose Road benefit from it. Whilst I am interested in all three are worthy causes, my personal view is that despite my particular interest in the museum, the Epworth Hall has the greatest essential need.

If there is money available for use in supporting existing facilites within the town, I would love to see the Epworth Hall, museum and 3 Penrose Road benefit from it. Whilst I am interested in all three are worthy causes, my personal view is that despite my particular interest in the museum, the Epworth Hall has the greatest essential need.Gillian Zella Martin 09

If there is money available for use in supporting existing facilites within the town, I would love to see the Epworth Hall, museum and 3 Penrose Road benefit from it. Whilst I am interested in all three are worthy causes, my personal view is that despite my particular interest in the museum, the Epworth Hall has the greatest essential need.

Score: 7

Ken Helston says...7:22pm Wed 27 Nov 13

What happened to the rest of my comment. Loads of people use the Epworth Hall for loads of reasons but how many use the art centre 11 so called artists and a few jumped up people that bought the dump and decided afterwards it was more dumpy than they thought it was and needed more repairs and wants the council to help out.

What happened to the rest of my comment. Loads of people use the Epworth Hall for loads of reasons but how many use the art centre 11 so called artists and a few jumped up people that bought the dump and decided afterwards it was more dumpy than they thought it was and needed more repairs and wants the council to help out.Ken Helston

What happened to the rest of my comment. Loads of people use the Epworth Hall for loads of reasons but how many use the art centre 11 so called artists and a few jumped up people that bought the dump and decided afterwards it was more dumpy than they thought it was and needed more repairs and wants the council to help out.

Score: -6

Ken Helston says...7:35pm Wed 27 Nov 13

telstar1962 wrote…

Ken, what a very common sensical decision. At last. The people behind CAST are seriously good in the Art world,and they above anything else which happens in the middle of Helston will help revive visitor numbers. I suppose some older members of the community would have wanted the Science and Educational building to be turned into an old peoples complex by the developers, but now this decision will mean a faster process in bringing on the much needed,quality Art Centre which CAST will oversee. Again, brilliant news for the Town ( and,of course,other Community groups)

No not a senior citizens complex by the developers, how about GZMs favourite, affordable housing, and if you think i'm a senior citizen you are barking up the wrong tree and you're ignorant referring to the older generation as "old people"

[quote][p][bold]telstar1962[/bold] wrote:
Ken, what a very common sensical decision. At last.
The people behind CAST are seriously good in the Art world,and they above anything else which happens in the middle of Helston will help revive visitor numbers.
I suppose some older members of the community would have wanted the Science and Educational building to be turned into an old peoples complex by the developers, but now this decision will mean a faster process in bringing on the much needed,quality Art Centre which CAST will oversee.
Again, brilliant news for the Town ( and,of course,other Community groups)[/p][/quote]No not a senior citizens complex by the developers, how about GZMs favourite, affordable housing, and if you think i'm a senior citizen you are barking up the wrong tree and you're ignorant referring to the older generation as "old people"Ken Helston

telstar1962 wrote…

Ken, what a very common sensical decision. At last. The people behind CAST are seriously good in the Art world,and they above anything else which happens in the middle of Helston will help revive visitor numbers. I suppose some older members of the community would have wanted the Science and Educational building to be turned into an old peoples complex by the developers, but now this decision will mean a faster process in bringing on the much needed,quality Art Centre which CAST will oversee. Again, brilliant news for the Town ( and,of course,other Community groups)

No not a senior citizens complex by the developers, how about GZMs favourite, affordable housing, and if you think i'm a senior citizen you are barking up the wrong tree and you're ignorant referring to the older generation as "old people"

Score: -7

telstar1962 says...10:35am Thu 28 Nov 13

The ''older generation'' ARE old people. Don't you really get fed up of the pathetic PC brigade The ''younger generation'' ARE young people So, if someone is aged over 65, are they 1. Young 2.Old or 3. Cannot say because you might upset someone ?

The ''older generation'' ARE old people.
Don't you really get fed up of the pathetic PC brigade
The ''younger generation'' ARE young people
So, if someone is aged over 65, are they
1. Young
2.Old
or 3. Cannot say because you might upset someone ?telstar1962

The ''older generation'' ARE old people. Don't you really get fed up of the pathetic PC brigade The ''younger generation'' ARE young people So, if someone is aged over 65, are they 1. Young 2.Old or 3. Cannot say because you might upset someone ?

Score: 8

Ken Helston says...12:18pm Thu 28 Nov 13

Age restricted places by developers have a restriction of 50 or 55 years, that is not old. Care homes take young people and you said "an old peoples complex by developers" developers don't build old peoples complexes. You are wrong telstar1962 you just wont admit it.

Age restricted places by developers have a restriction of 50 or 55 years, that is not old. Care homes take young people and you said "an old peoples complex by developers" developers don't build old peoples complexes. You are wrong telstar1962 you just wont admit it.Ken Helston

Age restricted places by developers have a restriction of 50 or 55 years, that is not old. Care homes take young people and you said "an old peoples complex by developers" developers don't build old peoples complexes. You are wrong telstar1962 you just wont admit it.

Score: -11

telstar1962 says...4:48pm Thu 28 Nov 13

Look.Kev When you've got a spare week or two, why don't you explain to me what it is like to be perfect ? CAST have thankfully saved this historic building from speculators/develope rs, who incidentally couldn't find the hard cash when they were asked after their 'successful' bid at auction. CAST at least were able to write their cheque,and Passmore Edwards building was saved from becoming flats/apartments/aff ordable homes/ non affordable homes etc, and even though there is a definite need for more homes, this building was not constructed as a dwelling, and hopefully now will never be so ( no matter whether you are very young, very old, or somewhere in between)

Look.Kev
When you've got a spare week or two, why don't you explain to me what it is like to be perfect ?
CAST have thankfully saved this historic building from speculators/develope
rs, who incidentally couldn't find the hard cash when they were asked after their 'successful' bid at auction.
CAST at least were able to write their cheque,and Passmore Edwards building was saved from becoming flats/apartments/aff
ordable homes/ non affordable homes etc, and even though there is a definite need for more homes, this building was not constructed as a dwelling, and hopefully now will never be so ( no matter whether you are very young, very old, or somewhere in between)telstar1962

Look.Kev When you've got a spare week or two, why don't you explain to me what it is like to be perfect ? CAST have thankfully saved this historic building from speculators/develope rs, who incidentally couldn't find the hard cash when they were asked after their 'successful' bid at auction. CAST at least were able to write their cheque,and Passmore Edwards building was saved from becoming flats/apartments/aff ordable homes/ non affordable homes etc, and even though there is a definite need for more homes, this building was not constructed as a dwelling, and hopefully now will never be so ( no matter whether you are very young, very old, or somewhere in between)

Score: 10

Gillian Zella Martin 09 says...5:25pm Thu 28 Nov 13

telstar1962 wrote…

Look.Kev When you've got a spare week or two, why don't you explain to me what it is like to be perfect ? CAST have thankfully saved this historic building from speculators/develope rs, who incidentally couldn't find the hard cash when they were asked after their 'successful' bid at auction. CAST at least were able to write their cheque,and Passmore Edwards building was saved from becoming flats/apartments/aff ordable homes/ non affordable homes etc, and even though there is a definite need for more homes, this building was not constructed as a dwelling, and hopefully now will never be so ( no matter whether you are very young, very old, or somewhere in between)

I completely agree with you. We are losing too many historical buildings to developers and residential status would be impractical there anyway because of lack of parking. I hope CAST continue with success.

[quote][p][bold]telstar1962[/bold] wrote:
Look.Kev
When you've got a spare week or two, why don't you explain to me what it is like to be perfect ?
CAST have thankfully saved this historic building from speculators/develope
rs, who incidentally couldn't find the hard cash when they were asked after their 'successful' bid at auction.
CAST at least were able to write their cheque,and Passmore Edwards building was saved from becoming flats/apartments/aff
ordable homes/ non affordable homes etc, and even though there is a definite need for more homes, this building was not constructed as a dwelling, and hopefully now will never be so ( no matter whether you are very young, very old, or somewhere in between)[/p][/quote]I completely agree with you. We are losing too many historical buildings to developers and residential status would be impractical there anyway because of lack of parking. I hope CAST continue with success.Gillian Zella Martin 09

telstar1962 wrote…

Look.Kev When you've got a spare week or two, why don't you explain to me what it is like to be perfect ? CAST have thankfully saved this historic building from speculators/develope rs, who incidentally couldn't find the hard cash when they were asked after their 'successful' bid at auction. CAST at least were able to write their cheque,and Passmore Edwards building was saved from becoming flats/apartments/aff ordable homes/ non affordable homes etc, and even though there is a definite need for more homes, this building was not constructed as a dwelling, and hopefully now will never be so ( no matter whether you are very young, very old, or somewhere in between)

I completely agree with you. We are losing too many historical buildings to developers and residential status would be impractical there anyway because of lack of parking. I hope CAST continue with success.

Score: 11

telstar1962 says...4:33pm Fri 29 Nov 13

Your ignorance is outstanding,Kev The individuals who form CAST have a proven track record of success over many years in the Art World. Helston is indeed fortunate that this building was saved, not only from developers with no money, but from a previous Town Council who were willing to sell it to anyone, after successive wilfull neglect over a very long period of time.

Your ignorance is outstanding,Kev
The individuals who form CAST have a proven track record of success over many years in the Art World.
Helston is indeed fortunate that this building was saved, not only from developers with no money, but from a previous Town Council who were willing to sell it to anyone, after successive wilfull neglect over a very long period of time.telstar1962

Your ignorance is outstanding,Kev The individuals who form CAST have a proven track record of success over many years in the Art World. Helston is indeed fortunate that this building was saved, not only from developers with no money, but from a previous Town Council who were willing to sell it to anyone, after successive wilfull neglect over a very long period of time.

Score: -3

krazyitchkatie says...10:34am Sun 1 Dec 13

Good luck to all who apply, I hope the most deserving cause is successful.

Good luck to all who apply, I hope the most deserving cause is successful.krazyitchkatie

Good luck to all who apply, I hope the most deserving cause is successful.

Score: -12

telstar1962 says...7:49pm Sun 1 Dec 13

As an Educational,Science and the Arts building, it needs for the owners together with the Town Council, to apply for some form of large scale funding ( just like the shop-keepers keep doing on a small scale- it is the 'in thing' don't you know) A major bid for funding from the Lottery,and any such other organization which provides funding for worthwhile,long-term projects such as this iconic building. Why not ask Tesco and Sainsbury to dig deep into their vast profits ( they do advertise the fact that they are involved in the Community, but I cannot see any serious involvement in Helston) The Old Cattle Market could not have been conceived or created without money and grants from Europe and elsewhere. That building could not be sustainable without fairly wealthy style tenants,who basically pay for the running costs of the building. It could be that a similar Business Plan or Template is needed so that the Passmore Edwards building can be fully renovated, then once it is completely up to standard, there will be small local businesses who could occupy the building,pay rent and thereby contribute to the running costs To have such a negative attitude to just say demolish,without even stating what you would put in its place,is in my view ,not sensible. The probable cost of demolition and clearance of the site is possibly not that different than the renovation of the building I think it is always better to be positive, and not just destroy part of Helston's history This case needs the Town Council to now show true leadership,and to help put a positive plan together with the owners

As an Educational,Science and the Arts building, it needs for the owners together with the Town Council, to apply for some form of large scale funding ( just like the shop-keepers keep doing on a small scale- it is the 'in thing' don't you know)
A major bid for funding from the Lottery,and any such other organization which provides funding for worthwhile,long-term projects such as this iconic building.
Why not ask Tesco and Sainsbury to dig deep into their vast profits ( they do advertise the fact that they are involved in the Community, but I cannot see any serious involvement in Helston)
The Old Cattle Market could not have been conceived or created without money and grants from Europe and elsewhere. That building could not be sustainable without fairly wealthy style tenants,who basically pay for the running costs of the building.
It could be that a similar Business Plan or Template is needed so that the Passmore Edwards building can be fully renovated, then once it is completely up to standard, there will be small local businesses who could occupy the building,pay rent and thereby contribute to the running costs
To have such a negative attitude to just say demolish,without even stating what you would put in its place,is in my view ,not sensible.
The probable cost of demolition and clearance of the site is possibly not that different than the renovation of the building
I think it is always better to be positive, and not just destroy part of Helston's history
This case needs the Town Council to now show true leadership,and to help put a positive plan together with the ownerstelstar1962

As an Educational,Science and the Arts building, it needs for the owners together with the Town Council, to apply for some form of large scale funding ( just like the shop-keepers keep doing on a small scale- it is the 'in thing' don't you know) A major bid for funding from the Lottery,and any such other organization which provides funding for worthwhile,long-term projects such as this iconic building. Why not ask Tesco and Sainsbury to dig deep into their vast profits ( they do advertise the fact that they are involved in the Community, but I cannot see any serious involvement in Helston) The Old Cattle Market could not have been conceived or created without money and grants from Europe and elsewhere. That building could not be sustainable without fairly wealthy style tenants,who basically pay for the running costs of the building. It could be that a similar Business Plan or Template is needed so that the Passmore Edwards building can be fully renovated, then once it is completely up to standard, there will be small local businesses who could occupy the building,pay rent and thereby contribute to the running costs To have such a negative attitude to just say demolish,without even stating what you would put in its place,is in my view ,not sensible. The probable cost of demolition and clearance of the site is possibly not that different than the renovation of the building I think it is always better to be positive, and not just destroy part of Helston's history This case needs the Town Council to now show true leadership,and to help put a positive plan together with the owners

Score: -1

telstar1962 says...7:53pm Sun 1 Dec 13

By writing that small businesses could occupy the building, I do mean just a small section of it, similar to the tenants of Old Cattle Market

By writing that small businesses could occupy the building, I do mean just a small section of it, similar to the tenants of Old Cattle Markettelstar1962

By writing that small businesses could occupy the building, I do mean just a small section of it, similar to the tenants of Old Cattle Market

Score: -1

telstar1962 says...11:08pm Sun 1 Dec 13

Great to see such a positive attitude,PR. And I don't see what my address might have to do with this. People who live outside the 3 mile exclusion zone are very often the ones who spend just as much money in the Towns shops to keep them going. Would be interesting to see the postcodes of the owners/backers of 3 Penrose Road. To get back to the subject, it's plain to see there isn't sufficient money,and never was, to build a community centre, and it is my belief that the Town Council should be involved in this building, and to have a positive input. Whether you like it or not, this building was a gift to the people of Helston by an amazing benefactor many years ago. How ungrateful and just wrong to keep saying it should be pulled down. If you don't want the Town Council to have any interest in the place,then the owners should go ahead and access the necessary funds and confound all the negative people who only ever see problems, not solutions, and forge ahead to create a successful place for all of Helston to enjoy

Great to see such a positive attitude,PR.
And I don't see what my address might have to do with this.
People who live outside the 3 mile exclusion zone are very often the ones who spend just as much money in the Towns shops to keep them going.
Would be interesting to see the postcodes of the owners/backers of 3 Penrose Road.
To get back to the subject, it's plain to see there isn't sufficient money,and never was, to build a community centre, and it is my belief that the Town Council should be involved in this building, and to have a positive input.
Whether you like it or not, this building was a gift to the people of Helston by an amazing benefactor many years ago. How ungrateful and just wrong to keep saying it should be pulled down. If you don't want the Town Council to have any interest in the place,then the owners should go ahead and access the necessary funds and confound all the negative people who only ever see problems, not solutions, and forge ahead to create a successful place for all of Helston to enjoytelstar1962

Great to see such a positive attitude,PR. And I don't see what my address might have to do with this. People who live outside the 3 mile exclusion zone are very often the ones who spend just as much money in the Towns shops to keep them going. Would be interesting to see the postcodes of the owners/backers of 3 Penrose Road. To get back to the subject, it's plain to see there isn't sufficient money,and never was, to build a community centre, and it is my belief that the Town Council should be involved in this building, and to have a positive input. Whether you like it or not, this building was a gift to the people of Helston by an amazing benefactor many years ago. How ungrateful and just wrong to keep saying it should be pulled down. If you don't want the Town Council to have any interest in the place,then the owners should go ahead and access the necessary funds and confound all the negative people who only ever see problems, not solutions, and forge ahead to create a successful place for all of Helston to enjoy

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